IMAGINE how amazing it would be for our loved ones abroad this Christmas to open a video and see all the family wishing them the season's best.

That's the gift Kerry County Council and The Kerryman are encouraging people to give as part of a new video competition sponsored by both to bring families split by emigration together through the power of new media for Christmas.

With so many people now owning handheld devices capable of recording high-quality videos, the job is easily done and Kerry film maker-in-residence Michael Kelly is on hand with some top tips for recording a video from home.

"You might want to think about just a few things. One, wipe the lens. This may seem quite obvious but you keep your smartphone in your pocket, and more often than not there is a little dirt or grease on the lens which can lead to dull or out-of-focus shots.